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Why High School Students are Excited to Enter the Construction Trades

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

NAHB caught up with three rising high school stars pursuing careers in construction about how they got their interest, their favorite student chapter moments, and what they hope to accomplish throughout their careers.

Talk to Your Local Code Officials as They Vote on Building Codes

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Local code officials this week began voting on proposed changes to building codes. NAHB is asking members to share home builder positions on proposed changes with code officials.

3 Reasons to Build to the National Green Building Standard

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The new edition of the National Green Building Standard focuses on building for the future by addressing these real-world challenges through sustainable building practices. Here are three benefits to building your next residential project to the NGBS.

U.S. Economy Adds 115,000 Jobs in April

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400

The U.S. labor market continued to show resilience in April, with job growth persisting despite elevated interest rates and rising geopolitical uncertainty related to the Iran conflict. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%.

Mental Health is a Jobsite Issue

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

There has long been a stigma around discussing mental health issues in the construction industry. NAHB and partners have been working to erase that stigma and give members access to resources focused on mental well-being.

NAHB's Monthly Update Features the Industry Pulse Check and Lumber Insights

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The talking points this month feature the Industry Pulse Check and insights on Canadian lumber duties.

Win Business with NAHB's Newest Master Credentials

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP) and Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) are designed to set the most accomplished builders and remodelers apart from the rest.

5 Important Contributions Home Builders Don't Get Enough Credit For

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The housing affordability conversation has many villains and very few heroes. Builders rarely make either list, which is part of the problem.

Multifamily Developer Confidence Holds Steady in First Quarter

Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB produced mixed results for the first quarter of 2026. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, unchanged year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 69, down 13 points year-over-year.

Prepare for NAHB’s Legislative Conference on June 10

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

NAHB’s signature lobbying event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, in conjunction with the four-day Spring Leadership Meeting in Washington, D.C. To help members prepare, NAHB will be hosting a webinar on May 20 and two events during the Spring Leadership Meeting.

Mortgage Rates, Inflation and Yields All Rise in April

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Mortgage rates continued to increase in April as ceasefire negotiations remain inconclusive. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.34% in April, 16 basis points (bps) higher than March.

Philadelphia BIA Member Shifts How Local Community Views the Trades

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400

For Jordan Parisse-Ferrarini, a member of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia, a career that began with his family’s small business and tools from a pawn shop has flourished into multiple companies, numerous advisory roles and a passion for developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

New Home Sales Rise, Supported by Limited Existing Inventory

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:59:53 -0400

Sales of newly built single-family homes rose 7.4% in March, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 682,000, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales is up 3.3% from a year earlier.

NAHB Debuts New Resource That Estimates Quarterly Remodeling Spending by State

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

NAHB is debuting a new resource called the State Projections of Remodeling (SPR) that will provide a quarterly analysis of remodeling activity for each state in the nation based on total dollar volume, market share and change in remodeling spending.

HBI Launches 'Ed Talks' Podcast About Workforce Development

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

On the inaugural episode of Ed Talks, Ed Brady, President & CEO of the Home Builders Institute (HBI), and Eugene Graf, builder and HBI Board Chair, break down how HBI programs are expanding the labor pool to fill residential construction industry jobs.

Remodeling Sector Sees Solid Growth as NAHB Kicks Off National Home Remodeling Month

Mon, 04 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Kicking off National Home Remodeling Month this May, NAHB is highlighting recent data that underscores the growing strength of the remodeling sector. The latest figures show remodeling is capturing an increasing share of the residential construction market, both in terms of the number of firms and employment. Additional data indicates remodeler sentiment has remained consistently positive since the first quarter of 2020, reflecting sustained demand and industry confidence.

Virtual Subcommittee Meetings for NAHB’s Spring Leadership Meeting Begin Next Week

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:30:00 -0400

NAHB’s Spring Leadership Meeting will be held in person June 9-13 in Washington, D.C. In an effort to condense the schedule for that week, subcommittee meetings will be held virtually beginning May 5.

Podcast: What War and Fed Changes Mean for Housing Market and Economy

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:30:00 -0400

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz to discuss the latest economic news and what it means for housing.

Rescinded Energy Code Mandate Major Win for NAHB and Housing Affordability

Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

HUD and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that they are rescinding a requirement that imposed the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the minimum energy-efficiency standards for certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.

Make Your Voice Heard: Take the Industry Pulse Check Today

Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

As NAHB builds toward our 100th anniversary, we’ve launched Blueprint to 100, a bold effort to strengthen and modernize the Federation. At the center of this initiative is the Industry Pulse Check — the largest listening and learning initiative in NAHB’s history. And it only works if you’re part of it.

Pause Work on Your Jobsites Next Week to Review Fall Prevention Safety Procedures

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction begins Monday, May 4. Take a few minutes during the week to pause work and use valuable resources from OSHA and NAHB to educate workers on fall risks and safety procedures to help avoid preventable injuries.

Fed Changes Leadership, but Powell Stays On Board

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Fed Chair Jerome Powell is not expected to fully step away from the Federal Reserve. Instead, he plans to continue serving as a member of the Board of Governors as long as the Justice Department's probe into the cost of the Fed’s headquarters renovations remains active.

Indiana Students Explore Career Paths Beyond a Four-Year Degree

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The Builders Association of Elkhart County (Ind.) connects local students with hands‑on construction experiences that open their eyes to career paths beyond a four‑year degree.

Home Building Shows Signs of Stabilization with Monthly Gain in Starts

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:30:56 -0400

Overall housing starts increased 10.8% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.5 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

NAHB Applauds HUD and USDA Action to Roll Back Costly Energy Mandate

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:40:00 -0400

NAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement after the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement today to rescind the rule that would impose the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the minimum energy-efficiency standards for certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.

Shrinking Share of Tradesmen in the Construction Workforce

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The American construction labor force is continuing its momentum away from construction trades and towards management, business and technical roles, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest 2024 data from the American Community Survey (ACS).

U.S. Customs Announces First Phase to Apply for Tariff Refunds

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new landing page for “International Emergency Economic Powers (IEEPA) Duty Refunds,” rolling out a process for seeking recoupment of IEEPA tariffs. Only importers of record and authorized customs brokers can apply for tariff refunds, and many questions regarding refunds remain unanswered.

Population Growth and Housing Supply Dynamics at the County Level

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

U.S. population growth slowed notably in the latest population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, with the nation expanding by just 0.5% in 2025, roughly half the pace of the prior year.

Housing’s ‘Silver Tsunami’ Is Coming, But It Won’t Hit Every Market

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0400

The so-called “silver tsunami” describes the wave of millions of homes expected to hit the market as older Americans increasingly decide to sell their properties. However, industry experts are noting that this “tsunami” isn’t landing where it’s needed most.

Blueprint to 100: Industry Pulse Check Launches May 1

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Blueprint to 100 is NAHB's initiative to build an association that better meets industry needs as we approach the 100th anniversary of our founding. The Industry Pulse Check — launching Friday, May 1 — is our first step in this initiative to gain the insights we need to build an association that meets your needs.

Labor Department Proposes New Joint Employer Rule for Wage and Hour Enforcement

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The Department of Labor (DOL) released the text of a proposed rule that would establish a nationwide standard for determining joint liability for under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

NAHB Applauds Lawmakers’ Push to Remove Harmful Mandate from Major Housing Package

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

In a letter signed by 76 representatives, the Real Estate Caucus and the Build America Caucus called on House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to remove harmful provisions in the Senate-passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that mandate the forced sale of single-family build-to-rent (BTR) housing.

EPA’s Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0 Focuses on Forward-Thinking Conservation Solutions

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0400

On April 16, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the second version of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). The updated version builds on the original’s core mission to advance water reuse across the United States, with a focus on collaborative implementation, water security, sustainability and resilience.

NAHB and ICC Release 2025 Edition of the National Green Building Standard®

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

NAHB and the International Code Council (ICC) proudly announce the release of the ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard® (NGBS)—the fifth edition of the nation’s premier residential green building standard. Approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the 2025 NGBS continues to define the benchmark for sustainable residential construction, renovation and land development across the United States.

Jobsite Visits Offer Florida Teens Firsthand Look into the Trades

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Through the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association, Florida students are exploring the skilled trades by shadowing certified professionals on active jobsites.

NY Governor Spotlights Importance of Home Building at HBA Awards Ceremony

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Highlighting her “Let Them Build” agenda, Hochul explained the struggle for young adults in the region to purchase an apartment or starter home, and her proposed solutions to help fix the issue.

NAHB Publication Offers Housing Professionals Tools to Help Boost Customer Satisfaction and Sales

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

BuilderBooks, the publishing arm of NAHB, released a new edition of its popular home buying resource, Buying Your New Home: A Guide to Home Buying, Second Edition.

Electrical Safety is Important to Everyone on a Home Building Site

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Electrical safety on jobsites can often be overlooked by many workers whose primary jobs do not include electrical work. But all workers and visitors on a home building jobsite can be exposed to electric risk if proper safety procedures are not followed.

More Young Adults Interested in the Construction Trades, but Challenges Persist

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

A new study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that more young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are interested in the construction trades but more work needs to be done to educate the public that there are increasing opportunities for rewarding, lucrative careers in the skilled trades.

Single-Family Permits Decline Sharply to Start 2026

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Residential construction activity began 2026 on a mixed note, with single-family permitting weakening significantly while multifamily activity remained relatively stable.

9 NHE Grants Boost Residential Construction Visibility

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB's philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the home building industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities.

Iran War Adds to Economic Headwinds

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

A multidimensional supply shock is weakening the U.S. economy, fueled by the delayed effects of the 2025 trade wars and tariffs, elevated oil prices, and persistent policy uncertainty. NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz provides a high-level summary of key economic markers.

HBAs Celebrated for Member Growth and Retention with Grand Awards

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The latest Grand Awards winners include 22 local associations and 10 state associations.

NAHB Mourns the Passing of Former Wichita Area BA President and CEO Wess Galyon

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Wesley “Wess” Galyon, who served as president and CEO of the Wichita Area Builders Association for forty years, passed away.

Builder Sentiment Posts Notable Decline on Economic Uncertainty

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:04:48 -0400

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell four points to 34 in April, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This is the lowest level since September 2025.

Canadian Lumber Duties Expected to Drop This Summer

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The U.S. Department of Commerce has signaled that it plans to lower antidumping and countervailing tariffs later this year on imports of Canadian softwood lumber products from the current rate of about 35.16% to 24.83% following its annual review of existing tariffs.

3 Key Reasons to Become a Speaker at IBS 2027

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

What if one speaking opportunity could elevate your reputation, expand your network and put your ideas in front of thousands of the people shaping the future of home building? That’s exactly what the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) offers.

White House Economic Report Cites NAHB Regulatory Housing Studies

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:30:00 -0400

The White House today released its Economic Report of the President (ERP) that contains a section on housing and homeownership that cites NAHB regulatory studies.

New York Builders Win Legal Challenge on Onerous Wetlands Rule

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

In an important win for New York home builders and housing affordability, the New York State Supreme Court has issued a decision annulling the state’s new definition of what a “freshwater wetland” is based on violations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

Podcast: Housing Market Braces for Tense Spring Home Buying Season

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:30:00 -0400

In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez delve into market uncertainties ahead of the spring home buying season, efforts to bolster housing supply, what the 2027 budget cuts could mean for housing and how members can engage in the codes process.